The Court of Appeal has granted bail to Ibrahim Mohammed, a branch organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and self-proclaimed revolutionary leader, who was serving a four-year prison sentence for inciting violence and spreading false information.
Ibrahim was convicted by an Accra Circuit Court on November 29, 2024, after Her Honour Evelyn E. Asamoah found him guilty of publishing false news with intent to cause fear and alarm, issuing threats of harm, and engaging in offensive conduct likely to breach the peace.
His social media posts, which accused security agencies of misconduct and threatened a government official, were central to the case against him.
After his conviction, Ibrahim sought bail pending appeal at the High Court, but his request was denied. However, his legal team, led by Nii Kpakpor Samuah Addo, escalated the matter to the Court of Appeal.
The panel, comprising Justice Senyo Dzerefe, Justice Gifty Adjei Addo, and Justice Kofi Akrowiah, found a prima facie error on the face of the records and ruled in favor of granting bail.
Ibrahim has been admitted to bail in the sum of GHS 100,000 with one surety. As part of his bail conditions, he must report to the Regional Crime Officer twice every two weeks. The state was represented by Hilda Craig.
With his appeal process now underway, Ibrahim’s legal team is expected to challenge the Circuit Court’s ruling, arguing that his conviction was flawed.
The outcome of his appeal could have significant political and legal implications, especially considering his outspoken activism and the broader debate on free speech and political dissent in the country.
Case Background
On September 3, 2024, Ibrahim posted a video on social media platforms, including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok, making unsubstantiated allegations against Ghana’s security services.
Wearing a red military-style beret, Ibrahim accused the Police Service in the Ashanti Region of recruiting “fake police personnel” to kill citizens during the upcoming December 7, 2024, General Elections.
He further threatened violence and claimed to know the residential address of the Minister for the Interior, Henry Quartey, vowing to target him in the event of war.
The video quickly caught the attention of the Ghana Police Service, which issued a wanted notice for Ibrahim.
On September 10, 2024, he was arrested at his residence in Sowutuom, where police recovered the red beret used in the video.
Trial Details
During the trial, which began on September 13, 2024, the prosecution, led by Superintendent Yirenkyi, presented three witnesses and tendered 10 exhibits, including the viral video and the red beret.
Ibrahim initially pleaded not guilty to all charges but admitted during police interrogation that he recorded the video.
His counsel, Francis-Xavier Sosu, requested an expedited hearing, which was granted.
In delivering the sentence, Judge Evelyn E. Asamoah emphasized the gravity of Ibrahim’s actions, noting that his statements had the potential to incite public unrest and endanger lives.
The court’s decision aims to serve as a deterrent to individuals who seek to exploit social media for reckless and harmful purposes.
The case highlights the growing concern over the misuse of social media to spread false information and incite violence, particularly as Ghana approaches its general elections.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to maintaining law and order during the election period.
The sentence also underscores the judiciary’s stance on ensuring accountability for individuals whose actions threaten national security and public peace.
